Civil Defense today updated the casualty figures for the tragic accident in Makkah yesterday, in which the Hotel Loulouat Al-Kheir collapsed shortly after noon prayers.  So far, 76 people have been confirmed dead in the accident, and 62 injured. 

Civil Defense  successfully rescued 41 people from the rubble, Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki said today.

Search and rescue operations have been concluded, and all of the wreckage has been removed from the site, Al-Turki confirmed. He also denied reports that a fire caused the hotel's collapse.

Minister of Interior Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz has ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident.

Saudi authorities have set up a hotline to answer questions related to the tragic accident.

^{Photo courtesy Saudi Gazette                    Photo courtesy Arab News}

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